Which are the OTT releases this week? With so many releases across platforms, here are 2 picks that I think are worth checking out Sookshmadarshini (Malayalam) and Black Warrant are my suggestions. Why I pick those; scroll down to read more.
Miss You: A Forgettable Love Story About Amnesia
Platform: Amazon Prime
Director: Rajasekar N
Cast: Siddharth, Ashika Ranganath, Bala Saravanan, Karunakaran
Plot & Review: Miss You (2024)
Vasudevan (Siddharth), an aspiring filmmaker suffering from memory loss after a car accident, tries to piece together his forgotten past. Along the way, he meets Subbulakshmi (Ashika Ranganath), a rebellious spirit. The film talks about their rediscovery of love.
❤️ Siddharth delivers a sincere performance, balancing charm and confusion.
❤️ A few novel ideas, like traffic accidents as turning points, add intrigue.
❌ Predictable storytelling undermines the emotional depth.
❌ Poorly developed subplots and logic gaps leave the narrative feeling patchy.
My Opinion: Miss You starts with promise but falters due to its contrived execution and lack of emotional resonance. Despite a few bright moments, it struggles to leave a lasting impression.
Sookshmadarshini: A Thriller That Almost Connects the Dots
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Director: Tanuj Vasudevan
Cast: Nazriya Nazim, Basil Joseph, Sreenath Bhasi
Plot & Review: Sookshmadarshini (2024)
Priya (Nazriya Nazim), a microbiologist and housewife, grows suspicious of her enigmatic neighbour Manuel (Basil Joseph) after he returns to his hometown. As Priya starts her investigation, the movie tries to blend mystery and some humour.
❤️ The climax editing and background score effectively heighten tension.
❤️ Basil Joseph captures Manuel’s mysterious demeanour with commendable subtlety.
❌ Priya’s character lacks emotional depth, making her motivations less compelling.
❌ Predictable twists and overused distractions dilute the narrative’s impact.
My Opinion: Sookshmadarshini offers moments of intrigue but falls short in emotional resonance and character development. While the final act is engaging, it struggles to elevate beyond a passable thriller.
Bachchala Malli: A Boring Tale of Redemption
Platform: ETV Win
Director: Subbu Mangadevi
Cast: Allari Naresh, Amritha Aiyer, Rao Ramesh
Plot & Review: Bachchala Malli (2024)
Malli (Allari Naresh), a self-destructive young man haunted by his father’s betrayal, spirals into despair, leaving a trail of tragedy in his wake. The film navigates multiple timelines but struggles to evoke empathy or deliver an engaging narrative.
❤️ Allari Naresh’s committed performance shines in a flawed screenplay.
❤️ Seasoned actors like Rao Ramesh and Rohini bring depth to their roles.
❌ Directionless storytelling fails to connect emotionally.
❌ Predictable tropes and underwhelming technical execution dilute the impact.
My Opinion: Despite Allari Naresh’s efforts, Bachchala Malli falters with its scattered storytelling and lack of emotional depth, making it a tedious watch
The Sabarmati Report: Tale of Propaganda and Journalism
Platform: ZEE5
Director: Dheeraj Sarna
Cast: Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, Riddhi Dogra
Plot & Review: The Sabarmati Report (2024)
A vernacular journalist, Samar (Vikrant Massey), investigates the 2002 Godhra train burning tragedy, battling personal demons and systemic bias.
❤️ Vikrant Massey delivers a sincere performance, struggling to inject humanity into a propagandist script.
❤️ Amalendu Choudary’s textured cinematography adds visual depth.
❌ Oversimplified and biased portrayal of events diminishes the narrative’s credibility.
❌ A forced dichotomy between English and Hindi media undermines journalistic integrity.
My Opinion: The Sabarmati Report lacks the nuance required for such a complex subject, opting for dramatics over depth, I felt like a propaganda than an insightful investigation thriller.
Black Warrant: A Period Thriller on Crime and Justice
Platform: Netflix
Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
Cast: Zahan Kapoor, Rahul Bhat, Paramvir Singh Cheema, Siddhant Gupta
Synopsis & Hopes: Black Warrant (2024)
Inspired by the infamous Ranga-Billa case of 1978 and the gritty realities of Tihar Jail, Black Warrant promises an intense exploration of crime, justice, and the dark underbelly of India’s most notorious prison. The series talks about rookie jailer Sunil Gupta (Zahan Kapoor) as he uncovers the layers of a brutal yet complex world.
❤️ Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, known for his nuanced storytelling, the series is expected to be raw and authentic.
❤️ The cast, including Siddhant Gupta as Charles Sobhraj, adds intrigue to the layered narrative.
❓ Will the series deliver a balanced portrayal of the justice system, or will it lean towards dramatics?
Hopes: Black Warrant has the potential to be a thought-provoking series, shedding light on both historical crimes and the inner workings of one of the most infamous prisons. It’s one to watch for fans of dark, layered storytelling.
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